Reba McEntire Makes Her Debut on the Christian Chart for the First Time Ever

By Timothy Yap Feb 02, 2017 03:23 AM EST

Country music veteran Reba McEntire makes her debut on Billboard's Hot Christian Songs chart. After 95 charted singles on Billboard's Hot Country Songs and 26 country #1s, this is the first time McEntire debuted on the Christian chart. "Softly and Tenderly," featuring Kelly Clarkson and Trisha Yearwood, spent a week on Hot Christian Songs at No. 43 on the chart dated Jan. 7.

This week McEntire's "Back to God" debuts on Billboard's Hot Christian Songs chart (dated Feb. 11) at No. 17. It's fueled by its No. 3 arrival on Christian Digital Song Sales, selling 4,000 downloads in its first week (ending Jan. 26), according to Nielsen Music. The song's official video debuted Jan. 24. "God," was written by another country artist, Randy Houser, and Dallas Davidson. The track was first released on Houser's 2008 debut album Anything Goes (which hit No. 21 on Top Country Albums).

Both songs are taken from McEntire's "Sing It Now: Songs of Hope and Faith."

" SING IT NOW was the perfect title for this album because the message and melody throughout the song connects the dots between the traditional hymns I grew up on and new music that has been uplifting for me in challenging times," said Reba.

Reba let her heart and friends help guide the song selection, which includes the first tune she ever sang in public, "Jesus Loves Me," a former Reba co-star's suggestion of "Oh Happy Day" and an introduction from a close associate to "From The Inside Out." Collaborating with Kelly Clarkson and Trisha Yearwood, "Softly and Tenderly" is available tomorrow (12/16) via http://smarturl.it/RebaSingItNow through the pre-order, giving fans a sense of the spirit with a new track each week leading up to the release. Special packages with autographed merchandise (CD, vinyl and framed print) as well as t-shirt and leather journal bundles are up now at Reba.com. Reba co-produced the album with Jay DeMarcus* of Rascal Flatts in his home studio and band leader/musical director Doug Sisemore.

"Music conjures up great memories and goes hand and hand with us McEntires," said Reba. "Mama, Susie and Alice even came into the studio with me to record 'I'll Fly Away,' all of us gathered around an old hymnal straight from the Chockie church."

Reba will feature the new music and signature hits spanning four decades with her first-ever headline show at Nashville's iconic Ryman Auditorium on February 15, 2017. Tickets go on sale at 6:00P CT tonight (12/15) through http://ryman.com/events/Reba.

SING IT NOW: SONGS OF FAITH & HOPETRACK LIST

CD 1
1.Jesus Loves Me | Written by William Batchelder Bradbury | Arrangement by Reba McEntire
2. Oh, How I Love Jesus* | Written by Frederick Whitfield | Arrangement by Jay DeMarcus, Tim Akers
3. When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder| Written by James Milton Black | Arrangement by Reba McEntire, Catherine Marx, Doug Sisemore
4. Oh Happy Day*| Written by Edward Francis Rimbault | Arrangement by Jay DeMarcus, Tim Akers
5. Amazing Grace | Written by John Newton | Arrangement by Reba McEntire, Doug Sisemore
6.I'll Fly Away| Written by Albert E. Brumley | Arrangement by Reba McEntire, Doug Sisemore
7. In The Garden / Wonderful Peace (Medley) (featuring The Isaacs)*| "In The Garden" written by Austin C. Miles | "Wonderful Peace" written by Warren D. Cornell | Medley Arrangement by Jay DeMarcus, Tim Akers
8. Swing Low Sweet Chariot / Swing Down Chariot (Medley)| Written by Wallace Willis | Arrangement by Reba McEntire, Doug Sisemore
9. How Great Thou Art| Written by Stuart K. Hine | Arrangement by Doug Sisemore
10.Softly And Tenderly (feat. Kelly Clarkson and Trisha Yearwood)| Written by Will Lamartine Thompson | Arrangement by Doug Sisemore

CD 2
1. Sing It Now* | Written by Michael Farren, Joseph Habedank, Tony Wood
2. Angels Singin'| Written by Jessi Alexander, Sarah Buxton, Steve Moakler
3. God And My Girlfriends| Written by Patricia Conroy, Lisa Hentrich, Marcia Ramirez
4. Hallelujah, Amen| Written by Dave Barnes, Lucie Silvas, Jeremy Spillman
5. There Is A God*| Written by Chris DuBois, Ashley Gorley
6. I Got The Lord On My Side | Written by Reba McEntire, Jackie McEntire
7. Back To God | Written by Dallas Davidson, Randy Houser
8. Angel On My Shoulder*| Written by Leigh Reynolds, Amber White, Philip White
9. From The Inside Out| Written by Amy Fletcher
10. Say A Prayer* | Written by Michael Dulaney, Jason Sellers, Neil Thrasher
11. HIDDEN TRACK (physical only): Jesus Loves Me (Reprise) | Written by William Batchelder Bradbury | Arrangement by Reba McEntire

Reba's creative and entrepreneurial ventures continue to establish her as a household name across music, television, film, theater and retail. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Grand Ole Opry member has won 15 American Music Awards, 13 ACM Awards, nine People's Choice Awards, seven CMA Awards and two Grammy Awards in addition to several prestigious leadership, humanitarian and milestone honors. As part of the longest-running Country act in The Colosseum's history, REBA, BROOKS & DUNN: Together In Vegas will return to Caesars in February 2017. She is also an acclaimed actress with 11 movie credits to her name, a prominent role on Broadway and starred in the six-season television sitcom Reba. Most recently debuting her Reba Beauty cosmetic line, she has separately enjoyed a decade-plus lifestyle brand partnership with Dillard's. Online education platform MasterClass invited Reba to offer her wisdom and knowledge as one of world's best creators in a series out now.

For tour dates and more, visit Reba.com.